Methods, systems, and products for creating message logs

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for creating a message log. The message log tracks non-recorded communications sent by and received by a user. One such system, for example, includes a processor communicating with memory. A communications manager is stored in the memory. The communications manager includes computer-readable instructions for storing an entry in the message log for each non-recorded communication sent by and received by a user. The message log may track any of wireline communications, voice mail communications, email communications, facsimile communications, pager communications, instant messages, electronic chat room communications, and unanswered telephone call attempts to contact the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/109,909, filed Mar. 29, 2002, entitled “Methods and Systems forOne-Stop Communications Management” (Attorney Docket BS00103), andincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application isalso a continuation-in-part of the co-pending and commonly owned U.S.application Ser. No. 09/966,703, entitled “Methods and Systems for aCommunications and Information Resource Manager” (Attorney DocketBS99159), filed Sep. 28, 2001, and which is incorporated herein by thisreference. This application also claims benefit of provisionalapplication No. 60/362,033, filed Mar. 6, 2002 and entitled “Methods andSystems for Providing Information Correlated to a Communication,” andwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS

The inventions relate to communications, and particularly, to themanagement of information about a user's communications.

BACKGROUND

Recent technological advances have made communication devicesubiquitous. Each device may satisfy a respective different aspect of thecommunication needs of a user. For example, a person may have a numberof communication devices at his or her disposal. The person maycommunicate using, among other things, a telephone, a wireless unit, apager, a facsimile (fax) machine, or a personal digital assistant (PDA).The person also may use a computer or other device to provideinformation and to communicate using a web site, electronic mail(e-mail) messages, instant messages, or chat room messages. Accordingly,a person may send and receive a lot of communications using a variety ofdevices.

Typically, a person with a variety of communication devices has toindividually monitor each of his or her devices, thereby expendingsignificant time and effort. If the person cannot handle a communicationin a “live” fashion on any particular device, a message, note, or otherrecord may be made of the attempted communication. Thus, the monitoringof the communication devices also may require monitoring of the devicesfor messages for the user. Generally, a person uses his or hercommunication devices in an ad hoc manner, and so, the monitoring ofmessages across the variety of devices also may be done in an ad hocmanner. Thus, there is a need for a better way to keep track of all ofthe communications of a person.

As noted, an attempt at communication with a person may be recorded orotherwise noted in a message that may be later accessed by the person.For example, a caller may leave the person a message on his or hervoicemail system. Also, a communication such as an e-mail message or afax may leave its own record of communication. But certain types ofcommunications and communication devices typically do not leave theirown records or allow for a message to be left for the person. Thus,these “non-recorded” communications are difficult to find out about, totrack, or to review. For example, a person makes a telephone call to afriend, but the friend does not answer and does not have any answeringsystem. The person generally does not have a way to keep track of thecall attempts the person has made. As another example, assume the personhas enabled an instant messaging service while working on his or hercomputer. Typically, there is no record made of an instant message thatis sent or received.

As yet another example, assume the person engages in a chat roomdiscussion by using his or her computer. Generally, the person'sparticipation in the chat room discussion is not noted or otherwiserecorded. The communications and communication devices that do not leavetheir own records or allow for a record, note, or message are referredto herein as “non-record” communications or “non-record” communicationdevices.

The inability to keep track of certain types of communications can provea disadvantage especially in business circumstances. For example, aperson may be negotiating a deal involving multiple parties. Each partyparticipates in the negotiations by using his or her own preferredcommunication means and devices. The person may have a log of e-mails,an answering machine full of voice mail messages, and a stack of faxesrelating to the negotiations. But one of the parties may beparticipating in the negotiations by using some type of communicationsdevice or mechanism that does not allow for records or logs of that typeof communications. So, the person's attempts at communication with the“non-record” party may not be noted by the non-record party. Thenon-record party may be suspicious that such attempts at communicationwere ever made. But the person has no way to prove he or she made theattempts. The person is at a disadvantage because he or she cannot keeptrack of, access, or review the attempts at communicating with the“non-record” party. The inability to be able to keep track of, access,or review these “non-record” communications can lead tomiscommunication, misunderstanding, missed opportunities, and evenfrustration. Thus, there is a need for a way to keep track of thecommunications of a person including non-record communications andcommunications made to and/or from the non-record communication devices.

Some disadvantages of the non-record communications and non-recordcommunication devices have been noted. But even communications thatleave a record (such as an e-mail) have disadvantages. For example, ane-mail message may refer to a specific topic, and it would be to theperson's advantage to review other data related to the specific topic.Moreover, it would be advantageous to carry out such a review as quicklyand efficiently as possible. For example, a message may refer to a workdocument, an electronic publication, or a web page which may be sharedbetween the person and his or her communication partners. Usingconventional methods, the person must individually identify, search andretrieve the work document. The activities carried out to obtain thework document may be time consuming, inefficient, and otherwisefrustrating. Thus, there is a need to provide a person with informationrelated to a message in an efficient and quick manner.

As noted, a person generally has a lot of different types ofcommunication devices. The person may prefer to receive certain types ofcommunications through a certain type of device or at a certain time.The person may prefer not to receive communications of a certain type orduring a certain time. Thus, there is a need for a way to manage thecommunications of a person so that his or her preferences are respectedand are automatically implemented.

Similarly, family members, friends, business colleagues and othercommunicating partners of a person may have their respectivecommunication preferences. The person could try to memorize all of thepreferences. But that may be a lot of information to keep track of, andit may be easy to make errors. For example, a client may prefer toreceive communications via his or her voicemail box. If the person sendsan e-mail message to the client, there may arise a delay incommunication. In addition, by sending the e-mail rather than leaving avoicemail message, the person may convey the impression that the personis insensitive to the client's preferences. Neither result is desirable.Thus, there is a need for a way to manage the communications of a personso that communications made to communicating partners are madeautomatically in accordance with the preferences of the respectivecommunicating partner.

In sum, there is a need for a unified messaging system that keeps trackof all of a person's communications without the person having to monitoreach of his or her communication devices including non-recordcommunications and communications made to and/or from the non-recordcommunication devices. There is also a need for a way to manage thecommunications of a person so that his or her preferences are respectedand are automatically implemented. In addition, there is a need for away to manage the communications of a person so that communications madeto communicating partners are generally made automatically in accordancewith the preferences of the respective communicating partner.

SUMMARY

The inventions described herein provide information about a user'scommunications.

The inventions allow a user to obtain information correlated orcorresponding to a communication. In addition, the inventions allow auser to take action based on the information about a communication orthe correlated or corresponding information.

An embodiment of the inventions includes a system for making informationcorrelated to a communication automatically available to a user. Thesystem includes a telecommunications (telecom) manager connected to atelecommunications network; a gateway connected to a data network; and acommunications manager that may communicate with the telecom manager andthe gateway. In addition, the communications manager may storeinformation about a user's communication preferences. The preferencesmay include a preference for presentation of information correlated orcorresponding to a communication.

In the exemplary embodiment, the communications manager receivesinformation about a communication relating to a user from the telecommanager or from the gateway. The communication may include an instantmessage, a chat room message, or an attempt to reach the user by acaller using a wireline or wireless device. The communications manageruses the information to create an entry corresponding to thecommunication and to include the entry in a log. The log is displayed,and the user may select an entry from the log. In response to anindication of the selection of an entry, the communications manager maycheck the user's preferences. The preferences may include a preferencefor the presentation of the information correlated to a communication.In response to finding the preference, the communications managerobtains and presents the correlated information. The communicationsmanager may obtain the information correlated to the communication fromits own resources, from the telecom manager, or from the gateway.

As noted, the communications manager may include a user's preferences.The preferences may include a request for display of informationcorresponding to a communication when the communication is initiated bythe user. The initiated communication may include an instant message, achat room message, or an attempt to reach the user by a caller using awireline or wireless device. The communications manager may actaccording to the user's preference by noting the initiation of acommunication by the user. The communications manager then may check theuser's preferences for inclusion of the request for the display ofinformation corresponding to the initiated communication. If thecommunications manager finds the request, then the communicationsmanager may use communication information regarding the initiatedcommunication to obtain and present the corresponding information. Inaddition, the communications manager may make the communicationinformation regarding the initiated communication available in a log.

Another embodiment of the inventions includes a method for makinginformation correlated to a communication automatically available to auser. The communication may be an instant message, a chat room message,or an attempt at completing a wireline or wireless call to the user. Themethod stores a user's preference for presentation of informationcorrelated to a communication. In response to receiving informationabout a communication, the method uses the information to create anentry corresponding to the communication, includes the entry in amessage log, and displays the log. The method may receive an indicationof selection of an entry from the message log. In response to theindication, the method may check the preferences for the preference forthe presentation of the information correlated to the communication. Inresponse to finding the preference, the method obtains and presents thecorrelated information.

Among the user's preferences may be included a request for display ofinformation corresponding to a communication initiated by the user. Aninitiated communication may include an instant message, a chat roommessage, or an attempt at completing a wireline or wireless call to theuser. The method may act according to the preference when the methodnotes the initiation of the communication by the user. The method checksthe user's preferences for the request for the display of theinformation corresponding to the initiated communication. Based onfinding the request, the method may use the communication informationregarding the initiated communication to obtain and present thecorresponding information. In addition, the method may make thecommunication information regarding the initiated communicationavailable in a message log.

Yet another embodiment of the inventions includes a method for keepingtrack of communications of a user. In this embodiment, the method mayreceive information regarding communications of the user from a gatewayconnected to a data network. The communications may include an instantmessage or chat room message to or from the user. The method stores theinformation in a message log by including an entry for eachcommunication of the user, and particularly by including an entry foreach instant message or chat room message of the user.

The exemplary method also may receive information from atelecommunications manager connected to a telecommunications networkregarding an attempt to reach the user via wireline or wireless call.The method stores the information regarding the attempt in an entry inthe message log. Further, the method may receive information regardingan attempt by the user to make a wireline or wireless call. The methodstores information regarding the attempt in an entry in the message log.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary environment for operation ofthe inventions described herein.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary message log as may be used with the presentinventions.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of exemplary of another exemplary operatingenvironment for the inventions described herein.

FIG. 4 is a table illustrating a user's profile information as may beused with the present inventions.

FIG. 5 includes tables illustrating contact information as may be usedwith the present inventions.

FIG. 6 illustrates a communications environment as may be used with thepresent inventions

FIG. 7 is exemplary flow diagram of the CIR manager when a user receivesa communication message or when a user selects a message log.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary flow diagram of the CIR manager when a user sendsa communication message to his or her communication partner.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow diagram for performing a task requested byuser in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, such as a request for document transmission.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Stated generally, the inventions provide information about a user'scommunications, provide a user with information correlated orcorresponding to a communication, and/or allow a user to take actionbased on the information about a communication or the correlated orcorresponding information.

In a related patent application, a communications and informationresource (CIR) manager is described. See U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/966,703, entitled “Methods and Systems for a Communications andInformation Resource Manager,” filed Sep. 28, 2001, which isincorporated herein by this reference. The CIR manager may be used toimplement the inventions described in this application. Prior todescribing the present inventions, some background about the CIR manageris provided.

The CIR Manager

A CIR manager may function as a “super” manager with respect to thecommunications devices, services, and systems of a user. In particular,the CIR manager may be used to centralize communications activities andinformation such that the user does not have to (but may) use multiplecommunications devices. For example, the CIR manager may be used to keepa log of all types of communications related to the user—whatever thedevice, whatever the service, whatever the network.

An advantage of the CIR manager is the user does not have to check oruse each type of device for its own type of messages. Another advantageis the CIR manager may obtain information from resources including thirdparty resources so as to facilitate communications and informationgathering activities of the user. With the CIR manager, the user isprovided with a centralized, efficient, and user-friendly way to handlecommunications activities including ways to receive, view, listen to,play, respond to, store, log, monitor, delete, copy, forward, obtain,create, and to take other actions. Moreover, the CIR manager providesthe user with personalized management of communications and informationresources.

In addition, in managing the communications and information resources ofthe user, the CIR manager may provide the user with one or more of thefollowing features and advantages:

-   -   Recognition of the user and of others as authorized by the user;    -   Remembrance and implementation of authorized users' preferences;    -   Aid in finding information and resources;    -   Information related to authorized users' activities and        communications including call management and detail;    -   Service set-ups, configurations, changes, deletions, additions,        updates, and synchronizations;    -   Maintenance of user account and preference information, logs,        activity logs, schedules, calendars, general directories,        personal directories, and the like;    -   Unified messaging including notice to the user relating to        communications and/or other actions; and    -   Suggestions, help, updates, reminders, warnings, alerts, and        other comments.        The CIR manager may integrate the features described above        pursuant to a user's preferences so as to provide efficient,        organized, and user-friendly communications and information        resource management.

Even though the inventions are described herein by reference to a CIRmanager installed in a personal computer (PC), the inventions may bepracticed with another manager, and/or other computer systemconfigurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor based or programmable consumer electronics,mini-computers, mainframe computers, etc.

Exemplary Operating Environment of a CIR Manager—FIG. 1

Exemplary functions of a CIR manager 10 are described above. To providethese functions and others, the CIR manager 10 may interact with avariety of systems, networks, and elements that may be directlyconnected to the CIR manager 10, may be hosted by the same host(s) asthe CIR manager 10, may be functionally connected to the CIR manager 10,and/or may be accessible to the CIR manager 10 either directly and/orthrough other systems, networks, and/or elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary operating environment of a CIR manager10 implemented on a personal computer (PC) 24. For details of anexemplary PC 24 as may be used with the CIR manager 10, see thepreviously referenced related application U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/966,703, entitled “Methods and Systems for a Communications andInformation Resource Manager,” filed Sep. 28, 2001.

The operating environment of FIG. 1 illustrates the CIR manager 10 maycommunicate through the PC 24 with another computer(s) 25 connected orotherwise networked with the PC 24. The CIR manager 10 also maycommunicate through the Internet 26 with the following:

-   -   Other computer(s) 27;    -   A gateway 28 serving the CIR manager 10;    -   An information resource 30 such as a database;    -   A messaging system 32;    -   A voicemail system 34;    -   An administrative center 36; and    -   The public switched telephone network (PSTN) 38.        In addition, the CIR manager 10 may communicate through the PSTN        38 with the following:    -   A telecommunications manager 40;    -   A telephone (wireline unit) 42;    -   A wireless unit 44;    -   A pager 46; and    -   A fax device (not illustrated).

The CIR manager 10 may have access to other computers 25 through localarea networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), direct connections andother dial-up networks.

The CIR manager 10 also may have access through the PC 24 to a globalcommunications network such as the Internet 26, and through the Internet26 to other units, networks, and systems. Particularly, the CIR manager10 may communicate with a gateway 28 connected to or operating on theInternet. The gateway 28 may be a service platform, or other device. Thegateway 28 may be provided by the service provider of the CIR manager10, and may serve the CIR manager 10. Communications activities to andfrom the CIR manager 10 on the PC 24 may be directed to the gateway 28and/or may pass through the gateway 28 to other systems, networks,and/or elements. In passing through the gateway 28, the communicationsactivities may be facilitated by the gateway 28.

For example, assume a user is a new subscriber to the CIR manager 10. Insetting up the user for services available through the CIR manager 10,the CIR manager 10 may send a communication to the gateway 28 forrouting to the appropriate element to handle such set-up activities. Inan exemplary embodiment, Administrative Center 36 may handleadministrative matters including set-up activities for the serviceprovider. The gateway 28 delivers or otherwise routes the communicationto the Administrative Center 36 for the set-up activity. TheAdministrative Center 36 may respond to the gateway 28 with questions,information, and instructions for the CIR manager 10.

Another way in which the gateway 28 may facilitate communicationsactivities of the CIR manager 10 is to function as a router or directorof communications and messages. For example, the CIR manager 10 mayforward a request for data to the gateway 28. The gateway 28 maydetermine the data may be obtained from the information resource 30. Thegateway 28 then forwards the request for data or the appropriate messageto the information resource 30. The information resource 30 may respondto the CIR manager 10 or to the gateway 28, which then communicates withthe CIR manager 10.

Further, the gateway 28 may facilitate communications activities betweenthe CIR manager 10 and the PSTN 38, and other elements reached throughthe PSTN 38 such as the telecom manager 40, and the communicationsdevices including the wireline unit 42, the wireless unit 44, the pager46, and the fax device 48. Generally, the telecom manager 40 providesgeneral functions and features related to communications of a user.Specifically, the telecom manager 40 may be implemented in a computer,on a service platform, in a network node, or other device. The telecommanager 40 may include connections to devices and networks throughintegrated services digital network (ISDN) lines and signaling system 7(SS7) data links. The telecom manager 40 may be capable of functionssimilar to those of a service switching point (SSP) or service node (SN)of an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). For example, the telecommanager 40 may have the following capabilities: signaling, call set-up,routing, and access to databases.

Message Logs Function and a Message Log—FIG. 2

The CIR manager 10 includes a Message Logs function, which as its nameimplies, enables the CIR manager to keep one or more message logs of theuser's communications. A message log also may be referred to as a log.In particular, the exemplary Message Logs function of the CIR manager 10relates to the organization, preferences, summary, and display ofinformation pertaining to communications activities of a user. Forexample, the Message Logs function may enable one or more summaries ofnew, reviewed, sent, or other communications. Also, the Message Logsfunction may enable one or more call activity logs that keep track ofcalls or communications activities by the user.

Advantageously, the Message Logs function allows the user to keep trackof all types of communications activity including conventional messagessuch as voice mails, e-mails, faxes, and pages. Plus, the Message Logsfunction allows the user to keep track of other types of messages suchas instant messages, conversations in a chat room, and attempts atcontact made by others.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary message log 50 such as may be providedby the CIR manager 10 and used in connection with the inventionsdescribed herein. Message log 50 includes entries relating to theexemplary user's communications using the CIR manager 10. In theexample, message log 50 includes eight entries 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62,64, and 66. Each entry includes data 68, and in this example, each entryincludes four types of data: “from” 70; “type” 72; “subject” 74; and“date” 76. The from data 70 refers to the source or origin of thecommunication. The type data 72 refers to the type or kind ofcommunication. The subject data 74 refers to the content, the substance,or other feature of the communication. The date data 76 refers to thedate of receipt (or transmittal if from the user) of the communication.

Advantageously, the user may obtain available additional informationabout the communications entered in the message log 50 through use ofthe inventions described herein. For example, assume the user desiresmore information about the communication relating to entry 54. Entry 54relates to a voice message (such as a voicemail message) from Bill Jonesreceived on May 20, 1999 from telephone number: (703) 345-6789. As isexplained in greater detail below, through use of the inventions, theuser may obtain additional information about the voicemail message fromBill Jones.

Another Exemplary Operating Environment of a CIR Manager—FIG. 3

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary operating environment for thepresent inventions. In this environment, a user 102 has a plurality ofcommunication devices and media available for communications, commonlydesignated as 104. The communication devices and media may include: avoicemail system as designated by the user's voice box 104 a; an e-mailsystem as designated by the user's e-mail box 104 b; an instantmessaging system as designated by the user's instant message box 104 c;a system for participating in a chat room as designated by the user'schat room box 104 d; a web site or web page as designated by web 104 e;a fax system as designated by fax 104 f; a telephone (wireline device)104 g; (h) a wireless unit 104 h; and a pager 104 i. In sum, the user102 has a diverse means of communicating with his or her communicationpartners.

As noted above, the present inventions may be implemented through theuse of a CIR manager 106. Typically, the CIR manager 106 is hosted oncomputer or in a computing environment, such as a personal computer (PC)108. However, the CIR manager can be hosted on any computer device,wired and wireless. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the connection110 between the PC 108 hosting the CIR manager 106 and the Internet 112is a persistent connection, preferably using broadband technology. Moreparticularly, the connection 110 provides means to communicate with agateway server (“gateway”) 114. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, any wired or wireless connection can be used for theconnection 110.

Briefly, the CIR manager 106 provides a unified, one-stop view of theuser's communications. For example, when Client A of the user 102 leavesa voicemail message for the user, the CIR manager 106 learns of theevent, creates an entry for the event in a message log, and providesinformation regarding the voicemail message to the user 102. If the userhas expressed a preference to be provided with additional information,the CIR manager 106 may provide additional information regarding thevoicemail message to the user.

As another example, when the user 102 engages in a chat room discussion,the CIR manager 106 learns of the event, creates an entry for the eventin a message log, and provides information related to the chat roomdiscussion. If the user has expressed a preference for additionalinformation, the CIR manager 106 may provide additional informationregarding the chat room message. Advantageously, the user may addinformation or otherwise characterize the entry for the chat roomdiscussion. For example, assume a user finishes a chat room discussion.The CIR manager 106 creates an entry for the discussion. In the courseof creation of the entry, the CIR manager 106 may query the user forinput to be included in the entry regarding the chat room discussion. Bythis feature, the CIR manager 106 allows for the creation of entriesthat are useful to the user.

As yet another example, when the user 102 engages (receives or sends) inan instant communication, the CIR manager 106 learns of the event, mayprovide information about the event, and creates an entry for the eventin a message log. If the user has expressed a preference for additionalinformation, the CIR manager 106 may provide additional informationregarding the instant information to the user. As with the chat roomdiscussion, the CIR manager 106 may give the user an opportunity toprovide input such as “subject” or other information to be included inthe entry for the instant message. Assume the user has included“adoption” in the subject field in the data of an entry relating to aninstant message. The CIR manager 106 may categorize the entry for theinstant message as related to other entries and messages including“adoption” in the subject field. Based on this categorization, the user102 can retrieve the information relating to the instant communicationhaving adoption in the subject field as well as relating to othercommunications having adoption in the subject field.

The CIR manager 106 can provide a unified, one-stop view of the user'scommunications because the CIR manager 106 may be set up to communicatewith the application program interface (“API”) for each of the providersand/or programs that enable corresponding communication devices andactivities. The ability of the CIR manager 106 to communicate with APIsand applications allows the CIR manager 106 to carry out a user'spreferences with respect to the presentation of information relating tothe user's communications. The CIR manager 106 may communicate with theplurality of the API's using any of conventional methods such aspolling, event driven interrupts, and/or a token ring.

The CIR manager 106 as hosted by PC 108 may communicate with atelecommunications manager 132 in the PSTN 130 by a wired or wirelessconnection. When communications are received or sent via the PSTN 130,the CIR manager 106 learns of the communication events, generallycreates entries corresponding to the events, and can categorize thecommunications, so that the user 102 can have a complete view of his orher communication activities. Moreover, the CIR manager 106 may tag thedata or part(s) of the data in an entry. The CIR manager 106 may use thetag to retrieve the data or part(s) of the data in an entry, or forother reasons. The tag may be a numerical tag or other tag or indicator.The CIR manager 106 may tag the data or part(s) of the data based onpreferences of the user indicated at time of system set-up or at othertimes.

For example, when a call is directed to the telephone numbercorresponding to the user's telephone 104 g, a telecom manager 132 inthe PSTN 130 notifies the CIR manager 106 of the call. The CIR manager106 creates an entry for the telephone call in the message log even ifthe call goes unanswered. The CIR manager 106 may tag data (includingpart(s) of the data) in the entry the CIR manager 106 creates for theunanswered call. The CIR manager 106 may tag the data for severalreasons. For example, the CIR manager 106 may tag the originatingtelephone number in the entry for the unanswered call so as to be ableto obtain additional information about the unanswered call. Then, if theuser seeks additional information about the unanswered call, the CIRmanager 106 may use the tagged data (the originating telephone number)to obtain the additional information. Using the tagged data, the CIRmanager 106 may check its own resources to determine whether it hasadditional information on the originating telephone number. Using thetagged data, the CIR manager 106 may contact the telecom manager 132 foradditional information such as a reverse white pages listingcorresponding to the originating telephone number.

In addition or in alternative to using the tagged data to obtainadditional information about a communication, the CIR manager 106 mayuse the tagged data to retrieve the substance of the communication. Thetagged data may provide information to the CIR manager 106 with respectto the path or route to take to retrieve the substance of thecommunication. In some cases, the tagged data may provide the CIRmanager 106 with information on the application(s) to call to retrievethe substance of the communication. The tagged data is not necessarilydata included in the entry corresponding to the communication in themessage log. For example, the CIR manager 106 may receive informationfrom the gateway 114 on a voicemail message for the user. The CIRmanager 106 may tag data so as to obtain information on the retrievalthrough the gateway 114 of the substance of the voicemail message from avoicemail system.

With the entries in the message log, the user has a record of attemptsmade to contact him or her via a call to the user's telephone number.The entry for the unanswered call may be marked as an “unanswered call”.In creating the entry regarding an attempted call (wireline orwireless), the CIR manager 106 may not be able to fill in all of thefields of the data in the entry. For example, the CIR manager 106 may beunable to fill in the subject field for an unanswered call. But the CIRmanager 106 may substitute some other information (like “unansweredcall”) in the subject field of the entry. Advantageously, the user mayadd any missing information or substitute other information in theentry.

As another example, when a fax document is transmitted to the user, thetelecom manager 132 notifies the CIR manager 106. The CIR manager 106creates an entry for the fax in the message log. The CIR manager 106 maytag data or part(s) of data in the entry the CIR manager 106 creates forthe fax. The tagged data may be used by the CIR manager 106 to obtainadditional information correlated or corresponding to the fax, or forother reasons. The user may be able to access the fax by activating theentry for the fax in the message log. In response to the activation ofthe entry for the fax, the CIR manager 106 may query the user for inputon desired actions. The user may indicate a desire to review the fax. Inresponse to the indication, the CIR manager 106 may use tagged data inthe entry corresponding to the fax or other tagged data related to thefax to obtain the substance of the fax. The CIR manager 106 then maydisplay the fax to the user on the computer screen or otherwise takeactions to present the fax to the user.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the telecom manager 132 in the PSTN 130 maycommunicate with the gateway 114 in the Internet 112. The techniques andmethods of communications between elements in the PSTN 130 and theInternet 112 are well known to those skilled in the art.

Profile Information—FIG. 4

Referring to FIG. 4, the CIR manager 106 includes profile information202 for the user 102. For example, profile information 202 for the user102 includes, among other things, a list of the communication devices,such as a telephone, a cellular telephone, or a pager of the user 102.The profile information file 202 also includes information regarding theuser 102's preferred methods of communication. The exemplary profileinformation 202 shows the preferences may include: (a) the time of thecommunication; (b) the identity of the communication partner(s); and (c)the subject matter of the communication. Of course, other preferencesmay be included or substituted.

The profile information 202 also illustrates the user may set his or herpreferences regarding the presentation of information in addition to,correlated to, or corresponding to a communication. Such additional,correlated, or corresponding information may include, inter alia,information to related communications, identifying information regardingcommunication originators or recipients, and information on subjectmatter mentioned in the communication or in information about thecommunication. Additional, correlated, or corresponding information alsomay include other entries, or communications sharing some feature incommon with the entry (or related communication) for which thecorrelated information is sought. Further, additional, correlated, orcorresponding information may relate to documents and the like that maybe referenced in a communication, or in an entry relating to acommunication in a message log.

For example, an entry for an instant message may include through userinput reference to a document such as “work report” in the subject fieldof the entry in the message log. The data relating to the “work report”in the subject field of the entry may be tagged so the CIR manager 106may use the tagged data to obtain the document, or to obtaininstructions on how to obtain the document. Advantageously, the usersimply may activate the subject field of “work report” and obtaincorrelated information including access to or a copy of the referencedwork report.

The additional, correlated or corresponding information need notdirectly pertain to the entry used in finding the information. There maybe an indirect or two or more step relationship between the entry andthe additional, correlated, or corresponding information. For example,the subject feature or subject data of an entry 80 a may include thetelephone number: (704) 345-6789. By its inclusion of the “704” areacode, the number implies the associated telephone is located in theState of North Carolina. Thus, an internet link to the Tourism Board ofNorth Carolina may constitute correlated information to the entryincluding the telephone number (704) 345-6789.

In the exemplary profile information 202 of FIG. 4, the preference forcorrelated information is set to “all”. In this example, the “all”setting indicates the user's preference for correlated information onall communications to/from whatever devices. For example, assume theuser receives an e-mail, a page, and a fax. Information on eachcommunication is entered into the message log. As part of creating eachentry for the message log, the CIR manager 106 may tag data or part(s)of data in each entry so that correlated information may be retrievedrespectively for each entry. The preference for correlated informationmay be set to include less than all devices.

In addition, through the profile information 202 or otherwise, a usermay indicate preference for correlated information based on a factorother than the type of device originating a communication to or from theuser. For example, the user may choose one or more fields of an entry inthe message log as holding the data to be tagged for obtainingcorrelated information or otherwise. To further this example, the usermay indicate a preference for obtaining correlated information on eachoriginator or source of a communication (the “from” field in an entry).Advantageously, the user may mix and match the various factors of acommunication so as to indicate the user's preferences for correlatedinformation. For example, the user may indicate a preference forcorrelated information on all communications to/from a pager and on thedata in the subject fields of all communications.

Also, the profile information 202 relating to a user can be used, forexample, to populate certain fields in a communication so the user 102need not enter repeated information, such as for example, the date andtime, the subject matter, and/or canned responses.

Contact Information—FIG. 5

Referring to FIG. 5, the CIR manager 106 also has contact information302 for the user 102. Exemplary contact information 302 listscommunication partners of the user 102, collectively designated as 342.In addition, typically, each communication partner listed on the contactinformation 302 is associated with additional information that may bepresented to the user on a “contact card”, collectively designated as352. A contact card 352 may contain, among other things, the types ofcommunication devices used by the communication partner corresponding tothe contact card. The contact card 352 may also include the preferredmethods of communicating for the corresponding communication partner. Aswith the profile information 202, the preference information in thecontact card 352 can be time, subject matter, and other factorsensitive. In sum, the CIR manager 106 may include profile informationfor the user 102 as well as for each communication partner listed on thecontact information 302.

In a preferred embodiment, the CIR manager 106 can either automaticallyupdate the contact information or otherwise facilitate the user 102'sentry of information regarding his or her communication partner(s). Asan example, the CIR manager 106 may receive information about acommunication to the user from Person A. The CIR manager 106 may be setso the CIR manager 106 checks the user's contact information todetermine whether information on Person A is present in the contactinformation. If there is no information on Person A, the CIR manager 106may add Person A's information to the contact information, if that isthe preference set up (typically at service set-up) by the user.Alternatively, the CIR manager 106 may query the user as to whetherPerson A's information should be added.

If the contact information includes Person A's information, the CIRmanager 106 may be set-up based on preferences of the user to comparethe information received with Person A's communication to Person A'sinformation in the contact information. If the comparison yieldsdifferences, the CIR manager 106 may automatically update Person A'scontact information or may query the user whether to update Person A'scontact information. To further this example, the CIR manager 106 mayautomatically enter new information regarding Person A, if he or shecommunicates with the user 102 via a previously unused communicationdevice. As another example, if a new contact, Person ZZ communicateswith the user 102, the CIR manager 106 may query the user 102 todetermine if the user wishes to enter the information regarding PersonZZ in the contact information 302.

Advantageously, the CIR manager 106 may enter information into a user'scontact information 302 when a person or entity not included in theuser's contact information makes or receives a communication to or fromthe user. The CIR manager 106 may automatically enter the newinformation or first query the user with respect to the entry of theinformation, per the preferences of the user. For example, assume aperson sends the user an e-mail. The CIR manager 106 creates an entryfor the e-mail in the message log. If the user has indicated apreference for automatic update of contact information on newcommunicating partners, then the CIR manager 106 may use the informationreceived in association with the e-mail to create an entry in thecontact information for the new communicating partner. The CIR manager106 may be unable to fill in all of the information in the contactinformation regarding the new communicating partner. The CIR manager 106may query the user for the missing information, or the CIR manager 106may contact the new communicating partner for the missing information.In this example, the new communicating partner communicated by e-mail.The CIR manager 106 may send a reply e-mail requesting the missinginformation.

Exchange of Communications—FIG. 6

Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary method of organizing communicationsreceived and sent by the user 402 is described. The CIR manager 404provides an interface for the user's communications regardless ofwhether the messages are sent or received by the user 402 and regardlessof the type of the communications device. The CIR manager 404 generallyprovides the interface for the user's communications by referenceinformation on the applications, programs, databases, sources, networks,and other resources that are involved with the user's communications.This information may be registered with the CIR manager 404. Generally,at system set-up, the CIR manager is populated with the appropriateinstructions on where to look for information and how to get theinformation. For example, at system set-up, the CIR manager is providedwith the appropriate instructions so the CIR manager may communicatewith the telecom manager in the telecommunications network and with thegateway in the data network. The instructions provided to the CIRmanager may be updated or changed as needed so as to accommodate auser's changing communication needs.

Also at system set-up, the CIR manager may be provided information andinstructions relating to the retrieval of correlated information. Asnoted above, a user's profile information 406 may indicate a preferencefor the retrieval of correlated information under certain conditions.Specific data in an entry relating to a communication may be tagged soas to be used to retrieve the information. The tagged data may includenumerical tags that include or reference instructions. The instructionsmay be included in the CIR manager so the CIR manager may access theinstructions to obtain the correlated information. For example, the CIRmanager may include instructions on obtaining correlated information onthe data in the subject field of an entry in the message log. Theinstructions may include a direction to the CIR manager to make a checkof the CIR manager's resources, to query the gateway in the datanetwork, to poll a particular application from a networked computer, orto take other action. The CIR manager carries out the instructions so asto retrieve the correlated information. The CIR manager may be updatedor changed as needed so as to accommodate a user's changingcommunication needs.

The CIR manager 404 has profile information 406 for the user 402, andhas contact information (client profile) collectively designated as 420,for each of the user's clients or communicating partners, who arecollectively designated as 410. For example, the client profile 420 alists a cellular telephone and a facsimile machine for Client A 410 a.As another example, the profile information 420 b lists a pager and atelephone for Client B 410 b.

A exemplary embodiment of the CIR manager 404 tags, associates,categorizes and identifies each message communicated to and from theuser 402 per the preferences of the user or some default. For example,the CIR manager 404 creates and/or facilitates the creation of an entryfor a communication in message log 430. The message log 420 includesentries, collectively identified as 431. Each entry includes data thatidentifies a communication of the user 402 using fields (also referredto as identifiers or features). An entry 431 in message log 430illustrates three fields of the data: (a) who element 432; (b) whatelement 434; and (c) when element 436. The user may set-up the CIRmanager 404 to include additional, fewer, or other identifiers in anentry. Using any identifiers, a message can be retrieved or reviewed bythe user 402. Typically, the data in the chosen identifier is tagged sothe CIR manager 106 is provided with information or may obtaininstructions on how and from where to retrieve the substance of themessage. The identifiers in an entry relating to a communication in themessage log also may be used to retrieve other information related tothe communication.

In particular, the fields of an entry in the message log may be used toobtain information correlating to the communication. The term“correlated information” also may include “corresponding information” or“additional information”. Further details on obtaining the correlated orcorresponding information are found in the previously referenced andrelated U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Methods andSystems for Providing Information Correlated to a Communication”, filedconcurrently with this application, and which is incorporated herein byreference.

In sum, the CIR manager 404 uses data from an entry (such as data in afield, identifier, or feature) to retrieve information correlated to thecommunication. In some embodiments, the data may be tagged such as witha numerical tag so as to provide the CIR manager 404 with instructionsor information on the retrieval of the corresponding or correlatedinformation. To retrieve the correlated or corresponding information,the CIR manager 10 may check its own resources, and/or may checkresources that may be reached through the gateway and the Internet, orthrough the telecom manager 40 and the PSTN 38, and/or in other ways.

For example, when the user 402 receives, transmits, or exchanges instantmessages with Client C, the CIR manager 404 creates an entry for each ofthe instant messages. The entries are included in the message log 430.The CIR manager 404 may create an entry for an instant messageautomatically, if that is the user's preference, or may ask the userwhether an entry should be created. In addition, the CIR manager 404 mayask the user 402 to enter one or more fields of information.

Assume for example, the user receives an instant message. The instantmessage is sent to the user over the Internet through the gateway and tothe CIR manager 404 prior to appearing on the user's computer screen.The CIR manager 404 receives or otherwise accesses informationassociated with and/or including the instant message. The CIR manager404 uses the information to create an entry in the message log.

In this example, the CIR manager 404 accesses information on theoriginator of the instant message and places the originator informationin the who field 432 (also referred to as identifier or feature of thedata). For the what field 434 of the entry, the CIR manager 404 maysimply include “instant message” or the CIR manager select informationassociated with the instant message and include that information in thewhat field 434. With respect to the when field 436, the CIR manager 404may obtain that information from the instant message, or the CIR manager404 may use its own internal clock to include a time in the when field436 of the entry corresponding to the instant message in the messagelog. The CIR manager 404 may query the user for information to be added,or changed with respect to any entry the CIR manager creates. Dependingon the preferences of the user, the CIR manager may tag the data (orpart(s) of data) in the fields of the entry so as to be able to retrievethe substance of the communication and/or information correlated to thecommunication.

The processes for creating entries in a message log for participation ina chat room, and for attempted calls (to or from the user)(wireless orwireline) are generally the same as described in the previous paragraphsfor creating the entry for the instant message. The processes forcreating entries in a message log for attempted calls (to or from theuser)(wireless or wireline) are also generally the same as described inthe previous paragraphs for creating the entry for the instant messageexcept that the CIR manager 404 may receive information or accessinformation about the attempted calls from the telecom manager, whichmay receive the information from the PSTN or other telecommunicationsnetwork. In some cases, the CIR manager 404 may receive or accessinformation about the attempted calls from the gateway, which mayreceive the information from the Internet or other data network.Depending on the preferences of the user, the CIR manager may tag thedata (or part(s) of data) in the fields of the entry so as to be able toretrieve the substance of the communication and/or informationcorrelated to the communication.

As another example, when the user 402 holds a telephone conversationwith Client Z, the CIR manager 404 creates an entry in the message logfor the telephone conversation. The CIR manager 404 may query the userfor information to include as data in the pertinent entry in the messagelog. The CIR manager 404 may offer a menu with a list of options, anotepad or other device so the user 402 may enter information for theentry. For example, the user may want to note issues discussed in thetelephone conversation. However, as those skilled in the art willappreciate, the entry of information relating to a telephoneconversation can also be automatic using, for example, digital signalprocessing techniques for audio signals. Depending on the preferences ofthe user, the CIR manager may tag the data (or part(s) of data) in thefields of the entry so as to be able to retrieve the substance of thecommunication and/or information correlated to the communication.

In sum, the CIR manager 404 can build data relationships forcommunications of the user 402 regardless of the user's communicationmethods. The data relationships can include, among other things: (a)relevant parties to a communication; (b) relevant information exchangedbetween the parties; and (c) relevant documents retrievable from a localstorage device or a remote server via a network, such as the Internet.

Exemplary Flow Diagram—FIG. 7

Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary flow diagram for the CIR manager 404is presented for the case in which the user 402 receives a communicationfrom Client A, or selects an entry from a message log where the entrycorresponds to a communication. In either action 502 a or 502 b, thecommunication may be a call (wireline or wireless), a fax, a page, avoicemail message, an e-mail message, an instant message, a chat roommessage, or even an attempt to reach the user by a caller using awireline or wireless device.

At action 502 a, the user 402 receives, for example, a communicationfrom Client A. At action 502 b, the user 402 identifies or selects anentry from the message log. The entry corresponds to a particularmessage. At action 504, the CIR manager 404 identifies informationcorrelated, respectively depending on the previous action, to thecommunication from Client A or to the selected entry. The correlatedinformation may include the communication itself, related messages,information and documents, including work-files, web pages, andelectronic publications. The CIR manager 404 may identify and/or obtainthe correlated information from its own resources, from the gateway in adata network, from the telecom manager in a telecom network, orotherwise.

In an embodiment, instead of automatically identifying the correlatedinformation, the CIR manager 404 may check whether the user desires tobe presented with the correlated information. The CIR manager 404 mayquery the user with presentation options. Alternatively, the user'spreference may be included in the user's profile information accessibleby the CIR manager 404. The CIR manager 404 may check for a preferencesuch as a preference for the presentation of the information correlatedto the communication. The CIR manager 404 then may act according to thepreference.

For example, in response to action 502 a of receiving a communicationfrom Client A, the CIR manager 404 may obtain the “identity” of thecommunicating party. The identity may be obtained from or usinginformation associated with the communication such as informationrelated to the originating or sending party. The CIR manager 404 may usethe identity to identify and obtain related messages and documents. TheCIR manager 404 also may use the identity to identify and obtainprevious communications relating to Client A. The previouscommunications may include communications from, to, related to, ormentioning Client A.

Another example is presented with respect to action 502 b when the userselects an entry from a message log. The entry corresponds to aparticular communication. In response to the selection of the entry, theCIR manager 404 may automatically identify messages and documentscorrelated to the communication corresponding to the entry selected bythe user.

At action 506, the CIR manager 404 presents the correlated informationto the user 402, using for example, icons and/or displays for themessages and documents. At action 508, the user 402 may request to viewmessages and/or documents presented at action 506 by, for example,selecting the appropriate icon(s). At action 510, the CIR manager 404performs the user's request received at action 508 by, for example,launching a browser to display a web page, retrieving a document, ortransmitting a document. At action 508, the user 402 may also request asearch for a particular document or additional information that has notbeen presented to the user at action 506. In such a case, the CIRmanager 404 searches for messages and/or documents related to the searchrequest and presents the additional information to the user 402 ataction 510.

For example, referring to FIG. 6, if Client A calls the user on Nov. 6,2001 to discuss his/her 2001 tax return, the CIR manager 404 can presentto the user 402 all previous communications between the user 402 andClient A, documents identified by the CIR manager 404 as being relatedto Client A and the subject matter of previous communications, and anyadditional information the user 402 may request.

Similarly, if Client Z calls the user on Nov. 6, 2001, the CIR manager404 can facilitate the user's 402 retrieval of information related toClient Z. In this example, the CIR manager 404 includes information thatClient Z has a web site, and thus can launch a web browser to displaythe web page of Client Z. In addition, the CIR manager 404 learns thatthe subject matter of Client B's message communicated on Apr. 15, 2001is related to the subject matter of Client Z's message communicated onAug. 10, 2001, and thus the CIR manager 404 may present message (or theentry in a message log) for Client B's communication on Apr. 15, 2001.

Referring again to FIG. 7, at action 512 the CIR manager 404 monitorsfor the end of the communication, or if the use of the services providedin connection with the flow diagram illustrated in FIG. 7 is terminated.If the flow diagram started with action 502 a, i.e., with acommunication from Client A, the CIR manager 404 monitors for the end ofthe communication. The CIR manager 404 creates or facilitates thecreation of an entry corresponding to the communication from Client A,and includes the entry in a message log in action 516. Of course, thecreation of an entry corresponding to the communication from Client Acan occur at other points in the process described in connection withFIG. 7. The process ends in action 520.

If the flow diagram started with action 502 b, i.e., the user 402'sselection of an entry corresponding to a particular communication, theCIR manager 404 monitors for the termination of the use of the servicesby the user 402. If the communication does not end or if a terminationof the use is not detected at action 512, the user 402 may makeadditional requests, such as a request for a display of an identifieddocument, or an search, which is illustrated as action 514. In suchcase, the CIR manager 404 performs the user 402's request, as discussedin connection with action 510. After performing the additional request,or if the user 402 does not make an additional request, the CIR manager404 continues to monitor for the end of the communication or thetermination of the use at action 512.

Once the communication or the service is ended, the process may move toaction 516 and create an entry in a message log with the entry relatingto the activities of the user described above. In some embodiments, nolog entry is created when the user initiates the described process suchas through the selection of an entry from the message log, i.e., action502 a. The flow diagram ends at action 520.

Exemplary Flow Diagram—FIG. 8

Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary flow diagram of the actions that maybe taken by exemplary embodiments in the case of a user initiating acommunication with Client A. At action 602, the user 402 indicates aninitiation of a communication to Client A. At action 604, the CIRmanager 404 determines whether Client A has a preferred method ofcommunication. This determination can be made by checking Client A'sprofile information. If Client A has a preferred method, which candepend on a number of factors, such as the time of the day, the CIRmanger 404 notifies or reminds the user 402 of the preferred method ofcommunication at action 606. In response to the CIR manager 404'snotification of Client A's preferred method of communication, the user402 may stop or continue his or her communication initiative asillustrated by action 608. If the user decides to end his or herinitiative to communicate with Client A, then the method ends in stopaction 630. If the user decides to continue the initiative, the user mayuse Client A's preferred method as indicated by the CIR manager, or theuser may use another method of communication. The method continues toaction 610.

At actions 610 and 612, the CIR manager 404 identifies and presentsinformation corresponding to the communication initiated by the user.The information corresponding to the communication initiated by the usermay include previous communications between the user 402 and Client A,and other or related messages, documents, or other information includingwork-files, web pages, and electronic publications. The CIR manager 404may identify and/or obtain the corresponding information from its ownresources, from the gateway in a data network, from the telecom managerin a telecom network, or otherwise.

In an embodiment, prior to identifying the corresponding information,the CIR manager 404 may check whether the user desires to be presentedwith the corresponding information. The CIR manager 404 may query theuser with options. Alternatively, the user's preference may be includedin the user's profile information accessible by the CIR manager 404. TheCIR manager 404 may check for a preference such as a request for thedisplay of the information corresponding to the initiated communication.The CIR manager 404 then may act according to the preference.

Advantageously, the present inventions allow the user to requestinformation in addition to that corresponding information which has beenpresented to the user as explained in the previous paragraph.Alternatively, the information corresponding to the initiatedcommunication may be categorized and the categories of correspondinginformation may be presented to the user. The user then may select fromamong the categories and obtain additional information. At action 614,the CIR manager 404 determines whether the user 402 has made a requestfor additional information. If the user has made a request, then ataction 616, the CIR manager 404 performs the task requested by the user402. If the CIR manager 404 has not received a request for additionalinformation, or after performing the task requested by the user inaction 616, the CIR manager monitors for end of the initiation of thecommunication by the user in action 618. An end to the initiation of acommunication may include sending or otherwise indicating that thecommunication be delivered, abandonment of the initiative, time-out, orother action.

If the end of the initiation of the communication does not occur (withina specified time or otherwise), the CIR manager 404 monitors for arequest from the user 402 at action 622 and performs the requested taskat action 616. After performing the request or if the user does not makean additional request at action 622, the CIR manager 404 continues tomonitor for the end of the initiation of the communication in action618. If an end of the initiation of the communication occurs, the CIRmanager 404 may create and/or facilitate in action 620 an entry in themessage log. The entry corresponds to the communication initiated by theuser. The flow diagram ends at action 630.

Exemplary Flow Diagram—FIG. 9

Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplary flow diagram for a task that can berequested by the user 402 such as action 510 in FIG. 7 or action 616 inFIG. 8. Such a task may include the request for transmission of adocument to a communication partner. At action 702, a request for adocument transmission is detected. At action 704, the CIR manager 404determines whether the requested document transmission can befacilitated in the communication mode chosen by the user 402 by, forexample, comparing the size of the input buffer of a targetedcommunication device and the size of the document the user 402 wishes tosend to the communication partner. If the answer to the determination isno, the CIR manger 404 determines other possibilities for transmittingthe document at action 706. Examples of other possibilities include: (a)breaking the document into smaller parcels; (b) calling anotherapplication for performing services such as compression and errorcorrection; or (c) recommending another mode of transmission, amongothers. Depending on the best possibilities that the CIR manager 404determines independently and/or based on the user 402's input, atransition may be made from action 706 to action 708. The dotted line710 represents that the transition is not always made, for example, ifthe user selects to end the request to transmit the document.

At action 708, the requested document is transmitted. At action 712, theCIR manager 404 determines if quality transmission of the document hasoccurred. If the answer to this determination is no, the CIR manager 404retransmits the document at action 714. The retransmission of thedocument may also depend on the number of attempts made to transmit thesame document. For example, if the number of attempts is greater than adefault value, the CIR manager 404 may not retransmit the document.

The example illustrated with FIG. 9 concerns the user 402's request totransmit a document. However, the user may request other tasks, and ifthe user requests a task that can be better served by anotherapplication, the CIR manager 404 can call that application, whether theapplication resides on the local server or on a remote server.

The exemplary embodiments of the inventions described herein were chosenand described in order to explain the principles of the inventions andtheir practical applications so as to enable others skilled in the artto utilize the inventions including various embodiments and variousmodifications as are suited to the particular uses contemplated. Theexamples provided herein in the written description or in the drawingsare not intended as limitations of the inventions. Other embodimentswill suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Therefore, thescope of the inventions is to be limited only by the claims below.

1. A system for creating a message log, comprising: a processorcommunicating with memory; and a communications manager stored in thememory, the communications manager comprising computer-readableinstructions for storing an entry in the message log for eachnon-recorded communication sent by and received by a user.
 2. A systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the message log tracks wirelinecommunications sent by and received by the user.
 3. A system accordingto claim 1, wherein the message log tracks voice mail communicationssent by and received by the user.
 4. A system according to claim 1,wherein the message log tracks email communications sent by and receivedby the user.
 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the message logtracks facsimile communications sent by and received by the user.
 6. Asystem according to claim 1, wherein the message log tracks pagercommunications sent by and received by the user.
 7. A system accordingto claim 1, wherein the message log tracks instant messages sent by andreceived by the user.
 8. A system according to claim 1, wherein themessage log tracks electronic chat room communications sent by andreceived by the user.
 9. A system according to claim 1, wherein themessage log tracks unanswered telephone call attempts to contact theuser.
 10. A method for creating a message log for communications,comprising: receiving information regarding a non-recordedcommunication; and storing an entry in the message log for eachnon-recorded communication sent by and received by a user.
 11. A methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising tracking entries in themessage log for wireline communications sent by and received by theuser.
 12. A method according to claim 10, further comprising trackingentries in the message log for voice mail communications sent by andreceived by the user.
 13. A method according to claim 10, furthercomprising tracking entries in the message log for email communicationssent by and received by the user.
 14. A method according to claim 10,further comprising tracking entries in the message log for facsimilecommunications sent by and received by the user.
 15. A method accordingto claim 10, further comprising tracking entries in the message log forpager communications sent by and received by the user.
 16. A methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising tracking entries in themessage log for instant messages sent by and received by the user.
 17. Amethod according to claim 10, further comprising tracking entries in themessage log for electronic chat room communications sent by and receivedby the user.
 18. A method according to claim 10, further comprisingtracking entries in the message log for unanswered telephone callattempts to contact the user.
 19. A computer program product,comprising: a computer-readable medium; and computer-readableinstructions stored on the computer-readable medium, thecomputer-readable instructions storing an entry in a message log foreach non-recorded communication sent by and received by a user.
 20. Acomputer program product according to claim 19, further comprisingcomputer-readable instructions for tracking entries in the message logfor at least one of i) unanswered telephone call attempts to contact theuser, ii) electronic chat room communications sent by and received bythe user, and iii) instant messages sent by and received by the user.